# Senators rout Panthers 5-1 in Brady Tkachuk's return to Ottawa

In his first game back in Ottawa since being traded to Florida, the former Senators captain scored on a power play but lost to his former team.

By The Signal Edition | Sports / Hockey
Published: 2026-10-22T04:35:00Z
Updated: 2026-10-22T05:20:00Z
Canonical: https://www.thesignaledition.com/article/bradytkachuk-senators-return-oct2026
Image: https://www.thesignaledition.com/media/a420b2405e7de64aa9a549ed24cee9b5.jpg (Brady Tkachuk trade to Panthers, Ottawa Senators; credit: Carmen Mandato / Getty Images)

## Summary
- Ottawa Senators defeated Florida Panthers 5-1 on October 21, 2026
- Brady Tkachuk scored for the Panthers in his first game back in Ottawa since his June 2026 trade
- Tkachuk's power-play goal gave Florida a 1-0 lead early in the first period
- Tkachuk was a Senators captain for five of his eight seasons with the team before the trade

## Senators beat Panthers in Tkachuk's homecoming

The Ottawa Senators defeated the Florida Panthers 5-1 on October 21, 2026, in Brady Tkachuk's first game back at Canadian Tire Centre since the Panthers acquired him on June 21, 2026. Tkachuk, a former Senators captain, scored on a power-play wrist shot at 10:00 of the first period to give Florida an early 1-0 lead, set up by an assist from his brother Matthew. Despite the early goal giving the Panthers a brief advantage, the Senators quickly responded to take control of the game and eventually deliver a convincing victory. [1](https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-ottawa-senators-game-recap-october-21-2026) [2](https://insidetherink.com/stats/nhl/games/2026-10-21-panthers-at-senators-2026020153/) [3](https://floridahockeynow.com/ottawa-senators-5-florida-panthers-1-oct-21-2026-brady-tkachuk-return/)

Claude Giroux, Shane Pinto, Tim Stutzle, Warren Foegele, and Stephen Halliday scored for Ottawa in the decisive victory. Tkachuk's goal was the Panthers' only score of the night, highlighting Ottawa's defensive dominance. The lopsided result dampened what was expected to be an emotional homecoming for Tkachuk, who spent eight seasons in Ottawa, including five as team captain before the mid-summer trade to Florida. [1](https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-ottawa-senators-game-recap-october-21-2026) [2](https://insidetherink.com/stats/nhl/games/2026-10-21-panthers-at-senators-2026020153/)

## Tkachuk's return after blockbuster summer trade

Tkachuk's return to Ottawa marked the first time he faced his former teammates since Florida made the blockbuster deal for him in June. During his tenure with the Senators, Tkachuk established himself as one of the franchise's cornerstone players, serving as captain and helping lead the team during a rebuilding period that spanned his final years with the organization. His trade to the Stanley Cup contending Panthers represented one of the most significant roster changes in recent Senators history and marked the end of an era in Ottawa. [1](https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-ottawa-senators-game-recap-october-21-2026) [2](https://insidetherink.com/stats/nhl/games/2026-10-21-panthers-at-senators-2026020153/) [3](https://floridahockeynow.com/ottawa-senators-5-florida-panthers-1-oct-21-2026-brady-tkachuk-return/)

The emotional return underscored the significance of Tkachuk's departure from Ottawa and the impact of the summer trade on the franchise. The Senators had planned to honor Tkachuk before the game with a video tribute, recognizing his years of service and his role in the franchise's history. Despite the loss, Tkachuk remained a key part of the Panthers' lineup. [2](https://insidetherink.com/stats/nhl/games/2026-10-21-panthers-at-senators-2026020153/) [3](https://floridahockeynow.com/ottawa-senators-5-florida-panthers-1-oct-21-2026-brady-tkachuk-return/)

## Reporting sources
1. [NHL.com: Senators roll past Panthers in Brady Tkachuk's return to Ottawa](https://www.nhl.com/news/florida-panthers-ottawa-senators-game-recap-october-21-2026) (2026-10-21)
2. [Inside The Rink: Panthers vs. Senators Box Score, Oct. 21, 2026: Senators win 5-1](https://insidetherink.com/stats/nhl/games/2026-10-21-panthers-at-senators-2026020153/) (2026-10-21)
3. [Florida Hockey Now: Brady Bowl: Ottawa Senators Get Revenge on Tkachuk, Panthers](https://floridahockeynow.com/ottawa-senators-5-florida-panthers-1-oct-21-2026-brady-tkachuk-return/) (2026-10-21)